Wetsuits

[CantDiveEnough]

Ive only got a few dives under my belt. And the Temps up here in Northern New York are slowly rising. I was wondering what temp you can start diving a 3 mil wetsuit. Im not planning on stayin up here for much longer but if i see myself here another winter, what is a good recreational drysuit to go with? I would really appreciate some good advice, im starting to get the itch with the warm weather. Im going scuba crazy waiting to get in the water again..

 

[dbg40]

My friend, I hate to tell you, but a 3 mil is basically a tropical suit. I just came back from diving in 78degree water, I used my 3 mil for one dive and went back to a 7. I think you're going to have to step up to a heavier suit for northern water.

 

[7millimeter]

Yeah, I only have one full season in northeastern water, but I've never been able to go in just a 3mm. Once I tried a 3mm with a 1mm beneath it (along with a hood) and I got chilled. I've had decent results using a 3mm with a 7mm shorty (and hood) or a 3mm with a hooded vest, but 7mm is usually (at least) what you need up here.

 

[SubMariner]

Ive only got a few dives under my belt. And the Temps up here in Northern New York are slowly rising. I was wondering what temp you can start diving a 3 mil wetsuit. Im not planning on stayin up here for much longer but if i see myself here another winter, what is a good recreational drysuit to go with? I would really appreciate some good advice, im starting to get the itch with the warm weather. Im going scuba crazy waiting to get in the water again..

You are DEFINITELY on the right track looking into a drysuit. Since you are considering a move (I'm assuming to warmer waters?) you may want to consider a membrane suit: trilam, bilam, etc. They will give you the greatest flexibility in terms of undergarments as well as physical movement.

There are many discussion on this topic in the Exposure Suits... just do a search there & you'll see what I mean.

Bonne chance,

 

[Quaack]

Or get on a plane & go where the weather suits your suit!

Dave

 

[spectrum]

By mid July you can enjoy some nice freshwater dives in 3mm if you stay above the thermocline. This means finding a lake or pond with an enjoyable space in the 20 foot range. Other that that and skin-diving you need more protection.

Pete

 

[bfisher]

Or get on a plane & go where the weather suits your suit!

Dave

That's what I do. Seven trips this year going south. Two to Florida and 5 to the Caribbean or Mexico.

Cold is not fun. And most fresh water dive sights just don't have any appeal for me. I guess that 100+ feet of viz around Coz and Bonaire just has me spoiled rotten. And hardly ever need more than my 1.5mm Microprene.

I've gone with just a Microprene in water down to 77 degrees and was OK. Even s short stint in 73 degree temps on a deep dive. Was in Key Largo in January and 69 degrees had me just a little chilled with a 5mm, so I added a hooded vest. OH YEH,, cover that head.

 

[DeputyDan]

Sorry, but you live it dry-suit Country.

A 3 won't cut it even in the summer.

 

[seaboyforever]

One important factor is how easily do you get cold.
Last summer in Long Island N.Y.
I was wearing my 3mm. I was very active in the water though. however when stalking my fish. I was cold so I turned to my farmer john when hiding in and about rocks for spearfishing.
buying something that wont be used for long periods of time. I.E. a drysuite is not worth the big bucks, unless you have it. and if you do, share with us.

happy go lucky diving

 

[m3830431]

I did three in 78 degree water and got chilled on the last dive should of had my hood. The guy next to me didn't have any exposure suit.

He said he was fine, whatever that means